§ 36. Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what guidance the Lord Chancellor has given on the visibility of handcuffs worn by defendants in court. [2617]
§ Mr. WillsThe Lord Chancellor has not issued any guidance as the decision on whether defendants should wear handcuffs in court is a matter for the judiciary. The Court of Appeal has ruled that no prisoner shall be handcuffed in court unless there are reasonable grounds for believing he will be violent or try to escape. It is open to the prosecution to make an application for handcuffs if they believe a defendant will be violent or try to escape, but the final decision lies with the judge or magistrates.